England faced a harsh reality check at the City Ground as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Senegal in a friendly match, a result that left fans voicing their displeasure with boos at the final whistle. This loss marks Thomas Tuchel's first defeat as the England manager, and it highlighted several weaknesses that need addressing as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Despite an early goal from Harry Kane, Senegal responded strongly, with Ismaila Sarr leveling the score before halftime. In the second half, Habib Diarra's goal put Senegal ahead, and a late strike from Chiekh Sabaly sealed the victory for the visitors. A disallowed goal from Jude Bellingham further added to England's frustration.
The match exposed England's vulnerability in defense, particularly with balls played over the top, leading to two of Senegal's goals. The midfield also struggled to control the game, and the attack lacked creativity beyond Kane's early strike. Speaking after the match, Kane acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating that things weren't quite clicking, and they were losing duels.
Tuchel himself will no doubt be concerned by the performance. After an underwhelming 1-0 victory over Andorra, Tuchel had demanded more from his players, urging them to show more seriousness and urgency. However, the performance against Senegal was another subpar display, leaving Tuchel with more questions than answers.
Several areas require immediate attention from Tuchel. Defensively, England appeared disorganized and susceptible to pace and intelligent movement. Kyle Walker, in particular, had a difficult evening, struggling against Senegal's attacking threat. The midfield needs more dynamism and control, as Senegal often won the battle in this area. While Kane remains a reliable goalscorer, the team needs to find more ways to create chances and involve other attacking players.
Tuchel's initial squad selections have already raised eyebrows, with recalls for veteran Jordan Henderson and a first call-up for Newcastle defender Dan Burn. These decisions suggest Tuchel is looking for experience and leadership within the squad. He also handed a debut to Trevoh Chalobah, indicating a willingness to assess different defensive options.
The booing from the fans at the City Ground reflects the high expectations placed on the England team. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and losing in the finals of the 2021 Euros and 2024 Euros, supporters are eager to see the team take the next step and win a major tournament. Tuchel's job is to identify and rectify the weaknesses exposed against Senegal and build a team capable of challenging for the 2026 World Cup. He has the experience and tactical knowledge to do so, but he needs time and support to implement his ideas and get the best out of his players.
